Bruins Might Move Jake DeBrusk: NHL Source

 

An NHL source told The Athletic this week the Boston Bruins could be parting ways with Jake DeBrusk at or before the deadline. But, an Assistant General Manager with the team says so far, they have not made him available. 

The 24-year-old Edmonton, Alberta native has one goal and four points over 14 games this season. His lone goal came on the power play. His 5-on-5 goals for percentage is below 50 percent and his coach wants more. 

“Jake has more to give,” said coach Bruce Cassidy. “I think he’s had pockets of real good hockey and other inconsistent moments where he’s not playing to his strengths to affect the game."

DeBrusk missed five games this year with a lower-body injury and has been shuffled around between the second and third lines. The Bruins have moved him around in an attempt to boost their secondary scoring behind the big line of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak. 

‘Jake has more to give’: Jake DeBrusk’s inconsistency continues. Will it ever reach the point of a trade? https://t.co/0bM3gr5T9A

— Fluto Shinzawa (@FlutoShinzawa) March 2, 2021

If these attempts at addressing the problem internally fail to produce results as the deadline gets closer, GM Don Sweeney will examine all options available to improve his club as they make a push for a deep playoff run. 

The Bruins have been mentioned in the rumour mill recently in connection to the Buffalo Sabres' Jack Eichel and are asking around the league to see what other teams are willing to part with and what they would want in return. 

Earlier this season, teammate Nick Ritchie stole the second line role from the underperforming DeBrusk. But, in recent line rushes at Bruins practices, he has been spotted back on the second line, this time with Ritchie and veteran David Krejci. 

If DeBrusk is able to turn things around, Sweeney may choose to hold onto the forward — unless a team is able to pry him away with an enticing offer. 

DeBrusk is in year one of a two-year $7.35 million bridge contract. His delivery on that contract has not been what anyone has expected. If he is ever put on the trade block, several teams will be asking. 

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